The Runaways punk rock drummer, guitarist and songwriter Sandy West has died after a long battle with lung cancer. The Runaways, a 70s female punk rock band who made the tune Cherry Bomb a fan favorite, was attributed with being the launching pad for the solo careers of guitarists Joan Jett and Lita Ford.

Posted on West's website, "Sandy West was proud to be one of the founding members of The Runaways. While most teens were attending high school full time and planning for the prom, Sandy and The Runaways were forging a musical legacy. They were partly responsible for the punk movement, and played with or inspired bands like The Ramones, The Sex Pistols and Blondie."

The Runaways band members included Cherie Currie - vocals; Joan Jett - guitar, vocals; Lita Ford - guitar, vocals; Sandy West - drums, vocals; Michael Steele - vocals, bass; Peggy Foster - bass; Jackie Fox - bass; Vicki Blue - bass and Laurie McAllister - bass.

The Legacy page features comments from people in the industry who have worked with or have been inspired by The Runaways. Sandy West was 47.